Students at Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma crowned their principal, Kirk Moore, prom king in an emotional tribute just days after he was shot while stopping an alleged school shooter, an act authorities say likely saved lives.
According to local news outlet KSWO, the surprise honor came during the school’s prom on April 17 in Pauls Valley, where Moore was met with cheers, applause, and a crown as students celebrated his actions during a violent incident earlier that month.
Moore, a longtime educator and principal, confronted an armed intruder inside the school on April 7. According to investigators, a former student, Victor Lee Hawkins, entered the school lobby armed with firearms and began threatening students.
From school shooting hero to king of the prom
As surveillance video later showed, Moore rushed toward the suspect and tackled him, despite the immediate danger. During the struggle, Moore was shot in the leg but continued to restrain the gunman. While Moore initiated the tackle, a second staff member assisted in kicking the weapon away and helped secure Hawkins until the police arrived.
According to investigators, Hawkins first pointed a gun at a female student in the lobby and pulled the trigger, but the weapon malfunctioned. Authorities say no students were injured in the incident, a result credited to Moore’s rapid response. Officials with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation described the actions of Moore and school staff as life-saving.
Investigators allege Hawkins, 20, is a former student who came to the campus with the intent to carry out a mass shooting. Court documents indicate he was armed with multiple weapons and fired at least one shot during the incident.
Authorities have also said Hawkins expressed a desire to carry out an attack similar to the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and admitted he specifically targeted Moore.
Hawkins now faces multiple felony charges, including shooting with intent to kill, possession of a firearm during a violent offense, and related weapons charges. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody on a $1 million bond, with a court appearance scheduled for May 8, according to officials.
Moore was treated for injuries
Oklahoma principal Kirk Moore, who risked his life and tackled a school shooter, walked into prom a few days later to a huge celebration from students and was crowned prom king pic.twitter.com/lGRABDHoun
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) April 21, 2026
In the days following the shooting, Moore was hospitalized and later released as he recovered from his injuries. He has since expressed gratitude for the support he received from students, staff, and the broader community, and indicated he hopes to return to work.
The prom ceremony marked a moment of relief and unity for the small Oklahoma community, which is still processing the traumatic event. Students voted to honor Moore not only for his leadership, but for what many described as a decisive act that prevented a far worse outcome. At the prom, Moore was crowned while the song “Hero” by Nickelback (from the Spider-Man soundtrack) played.
